Ab Lydian
A major diatonic mode with an augmented 4th; a bright sound with tension on degree 4.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- Ab Lydian
- Family
- Diatonic scales
- Note count
- 7
- Step formula
- W – W – W – H – W – W – H
- Numeric formula
- 0-2-2-2-1-2-2-1
Notes & degrees
1Abroot
2Bbmajor 2nd
3Cmajor 3rd
#4Daug 4th
5Ebperfect 5th
6Fmajor 6th
7Gmajor 7th
Construction
- Overview
- A major diatonic mode with an augmented 4th; a bright sound with tension on degree 4.
- Application in music
- Pairs with major chords carrying a #11 and with pedal points; diatonically it occurs on degree IV of major.
- Interval formula
- AbWBbWCWDHEbWFWG
Chords by degree
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IAbpoint of resttonic
IIICdefines modal qualitythird
VEbsupports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
VIIGG
IAbAb
In typical voice leading, the leading tone rises by semitone to tonic.
IAbAb
IIBbBb
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how Ab Lydian looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.